My journey to the 2013 Half Marathon

[carissanboys]

If you're interested, here is the link to my PTR from last year where I wrote about my journey:

My Magical Journey to Running the Half-Marathon

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

I'm in Baltimore, MD too, and there are lots of good races around here, not just the Baltimore Half. Ocean City has a spring half (the last weekend in April), Frederick's Half is the first wekeend in May, and there is the Zooma Women's Half and 10k in Annapolis the first weekend in June. There are also some good races a bit further away, in Rehoboth, DE and in Philly. Also keep your eyes and ears open for local races--there are tons of 5ks and 10ks.

It might not be a bad idea to do something structured like C25k or ease into 10k, just to keep you from doing too much too soon. I found out the hard way that injury stinks!

Thanks for the info. What is a C25k? I want to do some 5Ks this spring/summer and maybe a 10K in the fall. So I will look into some that you mentioned. Love Rehoboth so I will check into that. Thanks.

Is there a reason for not running 2012?

I think you may be setting your goal too low. You could easily run the Win and Dine this fall from where it sounds like you are at. I would challenge you to look into yourself and think about 2012. Besides, it is the 15th half and a special medal may be in the works.... There was a special 5th, they missed the 10th but I believe that the 15 th will not be missed.

Great idea on the journal, make sure you journal both the foods and the workouts. Also journal miles on your shoes so you are not running in worn out wheels. and finally, write a small something about feelings, weight, weather, time of day run, etc.....

One major reason for waiting is money. But I love the advice about adding more details like feelings, weather, time, etc to my journal. Thanks!

Good for you! I decided last January to register for the half. I hadn't taken one step running at that point, but I knew it would be a huge motivator for me. I lost 25 pounds over the year (most of that was lost in the first half of the year since I didn't work as hard with my eating the 2nd half) and completed the half marathon last weekend. My starting weight wasn't much lower than yours. I do think the more weight we carry, the harder it is to run, which is what is going to motivate me this year to lose some pounds. I want to be faster!

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me! Good luck!

Thank you for posting the link to your TR. I will be checking that out as soon as I get back home tonight. I am hoping to lose weight in the process as well, however, I have decide to not give myself weight goals but fitness goals because I CAN NOT control what my weight does but I CAN control my actions!

 

[cloudnut220]

C25k is a couch to 5k program. Even though it starts slow, I think they're good for getting started and staying motivated!

 

[OhdahLolly]

The min requirement for the half marathon is 16 minute miles, which you are doing easy. So no worries!

c25k is the couch to 5k program. Which is wonderful.

I agree with everyone else that you should set your goals within this year. Common! We could have a huge met up of fluffy dis runners! We could take over food and wine for the marathon in september! And if nothing else, meet up next Feb for the princess.

 

[dthogue]

I'm also a right around the same weight as you - I have been doing Weight Watchers since December 4th.

My goals:
Several springs 5k's
a 10K or 2 over the summer
1/2 Marathon in Hershey in October
followed by the Disney 1/2 Marathon in Jan 2012

My DD is planning on running with me, although is ran cross country in high school and plays soccer in college, she is way faster than I will ever be.

I just started finished week one of the C25K program. It went really well and I can't wait to start week 2 on Saturday.

Its so excxiting to see all the movitation on these boards. We aren't too far from you! It would be great to meet up for a 5k run this spring or summer!

Tammy

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

I'm also a right around the same weight as you - I have been doing Weight Watchers since December 4th.

My goals:
Several springs 5k's
a 10K or 2 over the summer
1/2 Marathon in Hershey in October
followed by the Disney 1/2 Marathon in Jan 2012

My DD is planning on running with me, although is ran cross country in high school and plays soccer in college, she is way faster than I will ever be.

I just started finished week one of the C25K program. It went really well and I can't wait to start week 2 on Saturday.

Its so excxiting to see all the movitation on these boards. We aren't too far from you! It would be great to meet up for a 5k run this spring or summer!

Tammy

Meeting up for a 5k sounds fun. The Hershey Half sounds fun too but I don't know if I will be to that point by October this year. But I am going to look up info on it anyway.


Yesterday I did 30 minutes on the treadmill (the track was too snow covered). At just under 26 minutes I had completed 2 miles. I was pretty happy with that!

Today is my rest day. Tomorrow I am going for 4 miles!

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Woo Hoo! Did my four miles on Saturday! Averaged about 13.26 minute mile. It was street running with HILLS and about 26 degrees. So not bad

Later that day we when to the park to walk with the kids. The loop there is .8 mile with a nice hill. We only had them do it twice because they have not been as active the past month or so. But it was still a nice workout with the snow covered path.

I was suppose to cross train on Sunday but ...

I was back at it today though. I went to the Y and did a 40 min. run. Using the run:walk ratio of 2 min:1min. I did over 3 miles but average 12.67 mile before starting cooldown.

I made the mistake of not wearing my good runnning socks and a bit of a blister started on my arch. Man, who knew socks were so important!?!

Going to take the kids to the park to walk in about an hour.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Let's see if I can remember what I did this week...

Tuesday was a cross-train day so I walked fro 60 minutes on the treadmill.

Wednesday, DH and I went to the track. Half the track was covered in about 2 inches of slushie snow. It was challenging. So I walked the part that was snow covered and ran the other half. Needless to say my time was less.

The weather warmed up quite a bit so later that day when I took the kids to the track...it was all clear. Ugh! I did run a little during our walk. My DS would want to race to the second lightpost or the like. He would beat me every time. My DD joined some of the races (she beats us both). I reminded them that while they can beat me on the sprints and would beat them if we went for distance. I may have short, chubby legs that don't move real fast but they can keep going. With a little training they could beat me on distance too. But for now...I AM THE MOM!!!

Thursday- Crosstraining- 45 minutes walking on treadmill and weights.

Friday-
Today was suppose to be my off day but...it was a long one story...

Here's looking forward to a good run tomorrow morning.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

It was 18 but felt like 6 degrees according to Weather Channel so I went to the Y and use the treadmill.

I did 4.33 miles avg. around 13 min. mile.

I made the mistake of drinking a smoothie before heading out...ugh...to much in my belly. I survived but I will remember next time.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

I actually made another mistake on Saturday. I tired new shoes. They gave me a blister on my toe and made my heels hurt. So I took a rest day Sunday. I am going to go to a running store to get fitted for shoes when I have been training for 2 months.

Today was another cold morning. I was 8 degrees when I left for the Y. I decided to wait on the training schedule that included speed training until this cold streak breaks. So I did something similar on the treadmill. Did a long walking warm-up- 12 minutes, then 1 minute run at speeds higher than my morn with 1 minute walking and then ended with another long walking cooldown. I did 4 miles, 60 minutes.

 

[verticalchaos]

Is there a particular reason why you're waiting until you've been training for 2 months to get proper shoes? Shoes are sort of the most important piece of equipment you'll have as a runner, and they need to be right. Waiting could cause injury that will take you out of the game for a while. I'd suggest getting some properly fitted shoes ASAP.

And regarding time limits, Disney has some of the most generous I've seen. NYC Half has a 13:45mm requirement, and the National Half is even quicker than that.

 

[dreams91]

I think you are doing awesome!! I only started this about 2.5 months ago and am finally up to 3 miles and i'm not nearly as fast as you! i'm lucky if i can make a mile in 15 min!!

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Is there a particular reason why you're waiting until you've been training for 2 months to get proper shoes? Shoes are sort of the most important piece of equipment you'll have as a runner, and they need to be right. Waiting could cause injury that will take you out of the game for a while. I'd suggest getting some properly fitted shoes ASAP.

And regarding time limits, Disney has some of the most generous I've seen. NYC Half has a 13:45mm requirement, and the National Half is even quicker than that.

I know that you are right! I have went back to my old shoes until I go to get fitted. I wanted to make sure that I was committed to running before spending over $100 on shoes. I figure if I keep at it through all this crazy weather that surely I must be, well, crazy enough to keep it up. So maybe I will go get those shoes sooner. Oh, and I guess I won't be doing the NYC or National. Too much pressure. I will stick with the generous ones

I think you are doing awesome!! I only started this about 2.5 months ago and am finally up to 3 miles and i'm not nearly as fast as you! i'm lucky if i can make a mile in 15 min!!

Thank you for the encouragement. You are doing great. 3 miles is awesome! I did the elliptical 3-4 times a week for at least 45 min. before starting on this road to the half marathon. So I think that is why I was able to start off the training schedule at a higher point. Are you using the Galloway training method? I have found his books full of wonderful information. (Thank you to all who recommended his method.)

I checked out 5 of his books from the library. I am still going through them. I am trying to slowly start using some of his pointers. I am looking forward to running more outside so I can incorporate more.

This week on Tuesday I went to the snow covered track. I actually missed running in the cold air and bright sunshine! I was suppose to be a cross train day but I just had to run a little. Did 3.25 miles. The sun felt wonderful! I could have stayed forever but time was up.

Then on Wednesday we woke up to a couple inches of fresh snow and more falling. So... back to the Y. I did a long walking warm up and then did some "speed training" sort of. I could not do like the book described using the track but I would go (6.0), faster than my norm and then gradually slow down trying to use the momentum. Then I did a long walking cool down. I did 4 miles total.

Then after a guess another 6 or 8 inches of snow,I had to do the Y again yesterday. I had to wait a little later because they opened late. It was cross training day so I was walking. I was watching a movie on Netflix on my iphone but it end at 45 minutes into my walk so I decided to throw a little speed training in. I switched over to my music and ran at 6.0 for a whole song. 3:46. This is pretty fast for me. It am 5'3.5" with shorter legs/longer torso.So basically short, chubby legged woman trying to run I have to say that I am starting to enjoy this.

I probably scare people because by the time I finish a good run...my face is SO red! I guess I should start tanning so it is not so noticeable

Today is an off day but I will be doing a little ice skating and sled riding

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

A couple updates:

My longest run so far is just over 7 miles! I did a 5k in April with a time of 35:09! I am down to 189 lbs!

I love the free app for the iphone- Runkeeper. It uses GPS to keep track of your run. It does a better job if you create the map first. You can adjust the route afterwards but it can be a pain. So I usually just remap it and use the times from the run. You can set up your on coaching. I use the word "steady" for my walk portions and "fast" for my run portions. You can listen to your music and it still works even if you get a phone call. It will give you feedback on your time and pace while you are running. However, I turn this feature off unless I am doing a route that I have preloaded because she is off and it can be discouraging. However it is really cool... it shows elevation, your pace for different segments, overall pace, ...

 

[jmasgat]

Congrats on your progress, and happy training.

Maura

 

[footpower]

A couple updates:

My longest run so far is just over 7 miles! I did a 5k in April with a time of 35:09! I am down to 189 lbs!

I love the free app for the iphone- Runkeeper. It uses GPS to keep track of your run. It does a better job if you create the map first. You can adjust the route afterwards but it can be a pain. So I usually just remap it and use the times from the run. You can set up your on coaching. I use the word "steady" for my walk portions and "fast" for my run portions. You can listen to your music and it still works even if you get a phone call. It will give you feedback on your time and pace while you are running. However, I turn this feature off unless I am doing a route that I have preloaded because she is off and it can be discouraging. However it is really cool... it shows elevation, your pace for different segments, overall pace, ...

I too am on a quest to qualify for a disney half.... really thinking big and maybe do the half friday night and the full on saturday combo. i actually push my special needs son on walks. The goal is to take him with me. Looking to do this 2013!! You are doing great! Disney also needs you to compete in a half to submit your time.

food journal- how's that going?
5k and 10k are great - it does keep you going and is good training. =)

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

I too am on a quest to qualify for a disney half.... really thinking big and maybe do the half friday night and the full on saturday combo. i actually push my special needs son on walks. The goal is to take him with me. Looking to do this 2013!! You are doing great! Disney also needs you to compete in a half to submit your time.

food journal- how's that going?
5k and 10k are great - it does keep you going and is good training. =)

I am honored your first post was for me

Thanks!

I have been slacking on the food journal and I can tell. We just got back on Monday from four days visiting family in Mississippi and we ate A LOT that we don't normally eat. It was really hard getting back into routine even though it was only for a few days. Today was the first day I felt more like myself when we went for a morning run. It is amazing how what we put in our bodies makes such a HUGE difference.

Awesome about you doing the Goofy! However, I thought the 5k was Friday, the Half Saturday and the Whole on Sunday. I also believe you can use a 10k for your time. Many people have the Disney as their first. I plan on doing a half before I go just to make sure I can complete and still be ready to CRUISE!!

I want to go on a cruise on the Fantasy after the Half. So I would be heading to the port around noon. Maybe in a few years I will try the Goofy.

 

[footpower]

I am honored your first post was for me

Thanks!

I have been slacking on the food journal and I can tell. We just got back on Monday from four days visiting family in Mississippi and we ate A LOT that we don't normally eat. It was really hard getting back into routine even though it was only for a few days. Today was the first day I felt more like myself when we went for a morning run. It is amazing how what we put in our bodies makes such a HUGE difference.

Awesome about you doing the Goofy! However, I thought the 5k was Friday, the Half Saturday and the Whole on Sunday. I also believe you can use a 10k for your time. Many people have the Disney as their first. I plan on doing a half before I go just to make sure I can complete and still be ready to CRUISE!!




I want to go on a cruise on the Fantasy after the Half. So I would be heading to the port around noon. Maybe in a few years I will try the Goofy.

the cruise sounds like an awesome way to celebrate the event and your birthday!! get back at that journal! =) I was not sure of the details on the half/full - I only read it once and it scared me... but the more I think of it the more i think I want to go for it...I have over a year to prepare... hope i can do it! I walked 7.5 miles today in under 2 hours. I was thrilled!!

I am on a good training pattern right now. i am trying to remember that being consistent is better than a hard core work out followed by two days of recoop!

It certainly does make a difference what we fuel our bodies with! I agree!!! I have found that for me the best thing is a high protein diet!! I eat some carbs but i eat a lot of protein. I have found my body to feel better, more energy, and a fuller head of hair! =)

I look forward to reading your posts. I actually googled something about the disney event and your info came up- that is how I got on here to begin with- so of course my first post had to be to you! keep posting!! keep journaling!! get that water in!! keep training-

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Hi, you are doing amazing, running is so good for your weight, I was just saying on another thread about my wt, I struggled for years, I was over
270lbs, I finally started loosing and started running, Ive done a few halfs and one full, next year I am doing the goofy challenge, when I look at oics of myself back then you wouldnt believe it was possible, anyhow, getting to the point, Im doing a 4 night on the dream after my cruise in january
If that wont get us to the finish nothing will.
I have been following the non runners marathon training for a marathon in september, It says you need to visualize being at the end when you start to struggle, well let me tell you I will be visualizing ordering room serivce and a bottle of dry white when I get on the ship!If that doesnt get me to the end,nothing will!
And by the way, were coming all the way from scotland and will have jet lag so I am sure you will cope with a short car journey

good luck with the training, its a shame you not coming next year!

 

[orlandothebeagle]

and another thing, go and get yourself fitted with good trainers now, I gave myself a horrible injury as I have ridiculiously flat feet, If I had got good trainers to start with I wouldnt have hobbled about for 6 months with lots of pricy physio! do it honey,your worth it!